News Details - Adult Family Type Homes: An Alternative for Adult Residential Care

As part of developing residential alternatives for adults in this community, the Tompkins County Department of Social Services (DSS) is looking to expand the number of adult care facilities known as Family Type Homes to serve adults throughout the county. The Department will sponsor a series of information meetings, beginning later this month, for people interested in learning more about operating a Family Type Home.

A Family Type Home offers residential living in a family atmosphere for adults who are for the most part independent and who need some supervision, but not chronic medical care or nursing home care. Family Type Homes house four or fewer residents, with 24-hour supervision. They provide residents room and board, assistance with personal care as needed, and transportation to and from appointments and activities.

The information meetings will be held at the County Human Services Building, 320 West Martin Luther King, Jr./State Street, on the following dates:

Thursday, May 10, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, May 22, 7 p.m.
Monday, June 4, 4:30 p.m.

With their small number of residents and opportunity for interaction with family members and others living there, Family Type Homes offer residents more freedom and independence, and at a lower cost than many other residential care options.

Operating a Family Type Home offers the owners the opportunity to open their homes and lives to others in need, giving back to the community and others. It enables the owners and their families to become more involved with the community and to make use of extra space within the home, receiving minimal income for their service. The Family Type Home can expand the social circles of both the homeowner and the residents.

Tompkins DSS will assist homeowners with the application process and will monitor wellbeing of the residents, once placed in the home.

For more information on Family Type Homes and the upcoming information sessions, contact the Tompkins County DSS Long Term Care Unit at 607-274-5653.

05-07-2012